By Jefferson Díaz
The Truth Reporter
June 30 is the deadline for the Ohio Senate to approve the state budget, a budget that for State Senator Paula Hicks Hudson represents a setback for the safety and well-being of the Ohioans.
The “Leading Ladies of the Legislature Town Hall Tour” arrived at Sanger Branch Library on Friday, May 23, as Hicks-Hudson and State Representatives Michele Grim and Erika White led a discussion focused on what the current budget proposal, sponsored by Ohio Republicans, would mean to their constituents if accepted in its current form.
A $3.9 billion cut to Medicaid, zero property tax relief, cuts to childcare and a $100 million deduction from Ohio’s libraries system are some of the consequences that state residents would face if this budget is approved.
“We want the people who voted for us, who trust us, to be aware of what’s happening. We also want to listen to them and have them propose solutions for the good of Toledo and Ohio,” Hicks Hudson said.
One of the attendees, representing the neighborhood coalition opposing the expansion of I-475 in West Toledo, indicated that it would be better if the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) invested the $217.5 million that the expansion would cost in the state’s childcare system. That way there would be at least more than 50 caseworkers available and better child protection mechanisms.
Shareen Strozier, supporter of the Kei’Mani bill proposal, asked Senator Hicks and Representatives Grim and White to support this legislation.
This bill, named for Kei’Mani Latigue, the 13-year-old victim of a homicide earlier this year, seeks to ensure that children in danger and who were kidnapped can find safe homes where they will receive protection and support.
“The community must come together to take care of our children. If we put all our effort into this, we can have a law that protects all children who need safe environments,” Strozier said.
The bill’s potential cost has yet to be determined, but Senator Hicks Hudson indicated she’s working closely with Strozier to make it a reality, because “the number of Black and Brown children reported missing in northwest Ohio is concerning.”
Representative Grim stated that her priorities are focused on providing support for victims of domestic and sexual violence, expanding access to public transportation, and reforming medical debt; while Representative White noted that she is focused on raising Ohio’s minimum wage and improving access to higher education.
These discussions will be repeated throughout the state as an initiative promoted by the Ohio Democratic Women’s Legislative Caucus (ODWLC).